I bet a large number of this will be the deployment of rotary assets that are not fit for purpose, but ease the publics anxieties and make it look like the government give a toss.
They then sit on the apron leaking oil and contributing nothing. They take up valuable hangerage and parking slots, their crews and engineers require accommodation and feeding. Of course, they then contribute headquarters staff etc etc etc. In due time, a role is created to justify their deployment.
Before you know it, the assets that are fit for purpose are less efficient as their support chain is clogged up and their share of limited infrastructure reduced making life difficult.
The Chinook and the Apache are the mainstays of the Afg op. There is a niche role for either the Sea King or Merlin, but to deploy both is a purely political move. One or the other would be welcome.
Standing by for incoming!
Last edited by minigundiplomat; 20th Sep 2008 at 20:22.